חֲמַר
wine
Definition
חֲמַר (chămar) is an Aramaic noun meaning 'wine,' referring specifically to fermented grape wine. In the biblical context, it denotes the common alcoholic beverage used in both everyday life and royal feasts, as seen in the lavish banquets of King Belshazzar (Daniel 5:1-4). The word appears exclusively in Aramaic portions of the Old Testament, particularly in Ezra and Daniel, where it is associated with provisions for temple worship (Ezra 6:9, 7:22) and scenes of indulgence and divine judgment (Daniel 5:23). Its usage consistently implies a tangible, consumable product, without the extended metaphorical meanings sometimes found with other Hebrew words for wine.
Biblical Usage
This word is used only in the Aramaic sections of the Old Testament, specifically in the books of Ezra and Daniel. In Ezra, it appears in official Persian decrees, listing wine among the supplies to be provided for the temple sacrifices and offerings (Ezra 6:9, 7:22). In Daniel, it is central to the narrative of Belshazzar's feast, where the king and his nobles drink wine (Daniel 5:1-4) from sacred vessels, an act that leads to divine judgment pronounced in Daniel 5:23. The usage patterns show wine as a provision for worship and a symbol of royal excess.
Etymology
חֲמַר is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew word חֶמֶר (chemer, H2561), which also means 'wine.' Both words derive from a common Semitic root signifying fermentation or bubbling, reflecting the process of winemaking. The Aramaic form is used in the biblical texts that were originally composed or recorded in Aramaic, the administrative language of the Persian Empire, highlighting the linguistic context of the post-exilic period and the book of Daniel.
Semantic Range
While חֲמַר itself is a straightforward term for wine, its usage in Daniel carries theological weight. In Daniel 5, the drinking of wine becomes an act of sacrilege when paired with the profanation of temple vessels, symbolizing arrogance and defiance against God. This leads to the famous handwriting on the wall and Belshazzar's downfall, illustrating themes of divine judgment, sovereignty, and the consequences of idolatry. Understanding this Aramaic term enriches the reading of these passages by connecting the tangible element of wine to a pivotal moment of revelation and judgment.
In the ancient Near East, wine was a staple beverage, often safer to drink than water due to fermentation, and a symbol of joy, celebration, and prosperity. In the Persian context of Ezra, wine was part of state-sponsored support for religious rituals. In Daniel, the excessive consumption of wine at Belshazzar's feast reflects royal opulence and the cultural practice of using banquets to display power and wealth. The act of drinking from sacred Jewish vessels would have been understood as a profound cultural and religious insult, magnifying the narrative's tension.
יַיִן (yayin, H3196) — The standard Hebrew word for wine, used more frequently and with broader metaphorical range. תִּירוֹשׁ (tirosh, H8492) — Often refers to new or freshly pressed wine, sometimes symbolizing blessing. שֵׁכָר (shekar, H7941) — A general term for strong drink or fermented beverage, not necessarily from grapes.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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